Experience Jackson
The Official Experience Jackson Podcast showcases the diverse experiences of Jackson County, Michigan. Listen and subscribe to get the latest insights and stories of local experts, historians, artists, and those operating attractions. Get insider tips, personal anecdotes, and unique perspectives on Jackson County, to help you plan for your next trip! Your host, Rachel Buchanan, Marketing and Development Manager at Experience Jackson, enthusiastically joins you on the journey to learn what you can experience at the crossroads of south-central Michigan.
Episodes
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Kristy Elrod with Village Peddler Gift Shoppe. This longtime boutique is one of the anchor shops in the village of Brookyln. The surrounding area of Brooklyn is known as the Irish Hills, and popular for its proximity to multiple Jackson County lakes. Village Peddler Gift Shoppe not only features many lake items, but gi...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Rob Gillow, longtime employee and expert at Schupbach’s Sporting Goods in downtown Jackson. From stocking a variety of archery and bows, firearms and hunting gear, they are the “The Hunter’s Hideout” Since 1946. Whether it’s an annual stop during hunting season, or a group or safety training session, you’ll find the to...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Vic Shiro, co-owner of Vito's Espresso in Spring Arbor. Along with his wife Linda, Vic shares his love of third wave coffee, sandwiches, wraps, soups and bakery items in a creative, welcoming space. His coffee shop offers a welcoming space for breakfast, lunch, and coffee, focusing on quality beans and a less intim...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shawna Tello (CEO) and Theresa Horne (COO) from the YMCA of Jackson. Learn about how the Jackson location participates in the YMCA AWAY (Always Welcome at Ys) program that allows members to visit and use facilities at other participating YMCAs across the country and beyond. Any visiting YMCA member can enjoy the newly ...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Beth Kuiper, Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Authority, to talk about some of the 2025 holiday events taking place in downtown Jackson. From the arrival of Santa during the Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade, to a Christmas in the City Event, 12 Bars of Christmas Bar Crawl, Shop Small Saturday, re...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Roberta Dalenberg, co-owner of the new Oak + Iron restaurant in downtown Jackson. From the amazing team, ranging from dedicated servers to a 3-star Michelin chef who’s cooked around the world, this locally-focused restaurant offers comfortable locally sourced food and atmosphere that’s for anyone. Oak + Iron not only h...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dionne Tripp, local artist, to talk about her craft on everything from canvas to metal and clothing, and her connection to Jackson Fashion Week, happening at various locations in Jackson between October 19 and 25, 2025.
Learn more about Jackson Fashion Week at https://www.art634.com/jacksonfashionweek.
See Dione'...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Ella Hephzibah, who owns the Luna Lux lounge with her husband and chef, Jeremiah. The couple takes their love of food (Big Guy Catering) and hospitality, and blends them to create a dreamy atmosphere for mixology, music and romantic memories in their unforgettable space. Learn about the atmosphere they’re creating and ...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back a favorite return guest, Tom Daldin, host of PBS’ Under the Radar Michigan travel television show. We love experiencing Jackson through Tom’s eyes. During his latest visit, he stopped along the Falling Waters Trail, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Gilbert Chocolates, two of Jackson’s iconic coney dog stops – both...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shaggio "Shag" Levesque & McKenna Knipe with Skydive Tecumseh. Both expert jumpers and experienced creators share the thrill and excitement that taking a leap. Skydive Tecumseh is Michigan’s #1 longest running drop zone. Established in 1964, they’ve been helping Michiganders experience the joy of human flight for o...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes both Alexey Vermeulen and Bill Marshall to talk about gravel cycling and the NEW Irish Hills Gravel, coming to Jackson County (the Irish Hills of Brooklyn) on October 18, 2025. The race will start and end at Michigan International Speedway, and touch corners of Brooklyn, Lenawee and Washtenaw Counties with rider’s choi...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Aidan Sova, one of two lead facilitators for the upcoming AIQ (Artificial Intelligence Quotient) Workshop coming to Jackson on September 18, 2025. Sova (Google) will be joined by Amy Hinchey (Microsoft), along with a selection of expert panelists and a guest appearance by Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dr. Tyree Guyton, the creator of Detroit’s famous Heidelberg Project, bringing the 40 Years in the Hood: Detroit’s Heidelberg Project Exhibit to Jackson’s Ella Sharp Museum - as well as Curator, Coach, and Special Advisor Jenenne Whitfield. More than any other Urban Environment artist, Guyton has taken on the adage "on...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Scott Pienta, owner of The Parlour of Jackson, an iconic must-visit in Jackson County. From the Dare to Be Great Challenge (21 scoops of ice cream) to the Dare to Be Great FOOD Challenge, over 100 years of nostalgia and tradition in a 50’s themed parlor setting, you won’t want to miss the chance to indulge here. Not to...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Sandra Phelan with the Potter Center at Jackson College to share about the upcoming season of events. The calendar welcomes Irish music & dance, county music, 90s contemporary music, musical tributes, classic rock, a pet show and a musical to name a few! From unforgettable concerts to captivating theater performanc...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dodi Wheeler, manager of the Grand River Farmer’s Market, which open three times weekly during the warm weather months, and once a week during the rest of the year. The Market offers fresh Michigan-sourced goods & produce from local farmers and artisans, with live music, special demonstrations and other activities ...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Beth Kuiper, Executive Director for the Jackson Downtown Development Authority, to talk about a variety of ways to experience downtown Jackson! From the monthly downtown Cruise-In, Concert and food truck events throughout the warmer weather months, to shops and botiques, restaurants, the social district and entertainme...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Lei Mullins, owner of Rage FX Rage Room in Jackson. Whether it’s having an experience in one of their themed rage rooms, creating a masterpiece in their graffiti space, or renting a party room, your family, group or team can enjoy the release of some energy along with a smashing time together! Valid ID and waiver requ...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Nate Mahan, local expert on Hobie Fleet 58 & sailing on Clark Lake in Jackson County. Whether you’ve been on the water many times, or if you’ve not yet experienced sailing, there are connections for you in Jackson County. From fishing to recreation and other lake activities, you can learn more on this episode about...
In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Andy Behling, one of the two brothers who make up MI Playground. Andy is passionate about the outdoors, and has visited Jackson County on multiple occasions, many of which he’s biked his favorite (fat tire bike) trails, both rough terrain and on paved paths, like the Falling Waters Trail. This episode is just one part ...
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